READY TO ROLL

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

On Dec. 9, 1930, flames raced through the wooden Avalon Park Dance Pavilion on Auburn Avenue and the roof collapsed by the time the first engines arrived.

Fire crews were hindered by a lack of water and "laid 4,000 feet of hose," according to the Springfield Daily News.

The nearest hydrant was at the corner of Leffel Lane and Clifton Avenue, two blocks away from the pavilion."Five fire companies under the command of Assistant Chief Frock did their best to save part of the structure, but without success," the Daily News reported.

The caretaker, S.L. Jones, was heating water and coal oil on the stove and the mixture - used for cleaning the building - exploded, the newspaper said.

The loss was estimated at $27,000. (Adjusted for inflation, that would be $385,000 in 2014 dollars.)

Welcome!

Written and edited by Vinny Del Giudice, a wire service reporter who spent 30 years covering Washington, D.C., started his career in journalism chasing fire engines in Springfield, Ohio, and served as a volunteer fireman and EMT in Arlington County, Virginia, from 1985-1992. (This is a hobby. Suggestions welcomed.)

From the Editor

My seven years as a volunteer fireman were a balancing act between duty and trembling fear. Picture Woody Allen in rubber boots. I am grateful to my colleagues, both volunteer and career, for seeing me through. Your editor helped deliver a baby and helped save a man with CPR. It was an honor to serve. This is an attempt to share what was learned.